Mississippi Senate Bill SR2

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/6/22
• Failed: 4/5/22

Caption

Urge U.S. Congress to enact legislation to include airguns and airbows as items taxed under the Pittman-Robertson Act.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would have a significant effect on state laws by aligning the taxation of airguns and airbows with other methods of hunting that are already taxed through the Pittman-Robertson Act. The Act has historically contributed to wildlife conservation efforts by collecting excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, generating substantial funding since its inception in 1937. By including airguns in this taxation scheme, the resolution aims to ensure that funds are directed towards wildlife protection efforts, thereby enhancing conservation initiatives across the nation.

Summary

Senate Resolution 2 urges the United States Congress to include airguns and airbows as items that are taxed under the Federal Wildlife Restoration Program, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act. The resolution was introduced to address the ambiguity surrounding the legal status and regulation of airguns, particularly their use for big-game hunting, which varies significantly from state to state. In particular, airguns utilize compressed air or other gases to propel projectiles, as opposed to traditional firearms which rely on explosive charges. This advancement in technology has introduced new hybrid hunting products, including arrow shooting airguns.

Contention

While this resolution seeks to promote wildlife conservation, it also raises points of contention among various stakeholders. Supporters of the resolution, including wildlife conservationists and hunting organizations, argue that including airguns in federal legislation is necessary to modernize hunting regulations and ensure equitable conservation funding. Conversely, there may be opponents who question the implications of such legislation for traditional hunting practices or raise concerns about the effectiveness of airguns compared to conventional firearms. These discussions reflect broader debates about regulatory approaches to hunting and wildlife management.